# fink out

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fink-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to fail to do something you promised to do, often because you are scared or lazy.

For teachers: to fail to fulfill a commitment or obligation; often implies a lack of courage or reliability in a social or collaborative context.

## Examples

- He said he would help me move, but he finked out.
- We were supposed to go skydiving together, but my brother finked out at the last minute because he was nervous.
- The coalition began to crumble when several minor parties finked out on the agreed-upon voting strategy during the final session.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He finked out the deal." but "He finked out on the deal." — when mentioning the specific commitment, you must use the preposition 'on' after the phrase.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by 'on' if an object is mentioned; carries a negative judgment of the person's character.
- Teaching tip: this is a more colorful, informal alternative to 'back out' or 'chicken out'; the word 'fink' historically refers to an informer or someone unreliable.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.